Coping with… ANKLE OEDEMA
Swollen ankles are a common complaint, with local, regional or systemic causes
In n general, chronic swelling (oedema) of one leg more likely has a localised cause. Bilateral swelling usually has a systemic cause, such as anaemia, cardiac failure, or kidney or liver disease, although it may be due to local trauma, venous disease or lymphatic problems.
Ankle swelling develops when tissue-fluid production exceeds lymphatic drainage for a sustained period. Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs often settles on its own, but can be caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, such as from poor venous return during prolonged standing/sitting in the same position; excessive salty food; being overweight; pregnancy, or taking certain medicines, such as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium-channel blockers, thiazolidinediones, corticosteroids, gabapentin, pregabalin, levodopa and oral contraceptives…
